By: Ete Kusuma (Depok City Blogger)
Until now, Covid-19 vaccination in Indonesia is still accompanied by pros and cons. Although the MUI has declared the Sinovac vaccine halal and holy. In addition, BPOM has granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) permit.
Various government efforts were made to convince the public that the vaccination program could run well. One of them is the actions of President Jokowi who became the first vaccine recipient in Indonesia and invited several public figures. This is done to build public confidence that the Sinovac vaccine is safe and there is nothing to be afraid of.
We all have the same wish, namely that the Corona virus pandemic will end soon. Vaccination carried out by the Government is a hope and effort that can stop the spread of Covid-19. On the one hand, vaccines are needed because many of the closest people have died from Covid-19. But on the other hand, these good hopes seem to be complicated by the chaos of debate the pros and cons of vaccines.
The rejection of vaccines could be because you have experienced a trauma, such as fear of needles or other syringes. But if you look back, almost all Indonesians are used to vaccines or immunization by injection. Even from infancy to children, various kinds of immunizations are carried out, such as: hepatitis B, polio, BCG, measles, etc.
Pre-Vaccination Public Education Needed
National vaccination must still be carried out, fear and rejection of vaccination will certainly remain, while on the other hand, active cases of Covid-19 continue to experience an increasing trend. Then what to do? Stop vaccination, no way; letting people fear or refuse vaccination is also not something to choose from or to happen.
The right step or right is the socialization and public education. Such socialization, publication, education should occur or be carried out at a time before, temporarily, and continuously until the vaccination reaches a safe number or number of immune immunity. In fact, it is necessary to “treat” those with phobia of vaccines and vaccinations.
Without socialization and education, a person or anyone can or can “refuse” vaccination; if it happens, the vaccination fatigue (will) be wasted. In addition, if vaccination in Indonesia does not reach the safe number or number of immunity immunity, it is certain that this country will be ‘banned’ in international relations. For this reason, the community must support the Covid-19 vaccination efforts for the safety and progress of the nation.
Don’t forget, together with us, fight against hoaxes and negative content about national vaccination in 2021 through positive literacy campaigns to build national optimism.